Sensory Integration

Kids with hemiplegia often have a sensory processing disorder. Another label – just what you need, right? It just means that they have a different way of processing sensations. Some kids crave input – they want to run, touch, wrestle, and grab everything. Other kids are just the opposite – they avoid touch, hate tags in clothing, and are startled by loud noises and lights. Some kids have a combination – wanting to spin forever in a swing but freaking out in a loud movie theater.

The theory of sensory integration was developed by A. Jean Ayres, an occupational therapist with a special interest in neuroscience and educational psychology. Ayres’ theory explains the relationship between the brain and the way the body handles sensations which are taken in through the five senses – touch, sound, sight, taste, and smell.

Sensitivity to Sound

Sensory Play Ideas

Find new ways to help your child comfortably explore his or her environment and take in new sensations. Make it fun!

Toby’s mom created a “rainbow rice” sensory garden where Toby can “plant” his favorite fruit and veggies. Katie dyed the rice, tossed in some fun toys, and encouraged Toby to play. Katie reminds parents to keep watch so their little one doesn’t eat the rice.

Sensory Play Ideas

Large Motor

Run; jump; hop; wrestle; skip; play leap frog; put cushions on the floor and climb on them; swing; spin on a tire swing; spin in circles; run in circles; pretend you’re an airplane and run; give massages

Sound

Sing; play musical instruments; drum; play the “quiet game”; listen to soft music; vary the volume of music as you listen; sing softly; sing loudly; try to identify sounds in nature

Explore Textures

Paint with just about any food (yogurt, pudding, whipped cream) – use your hands and feet; make a book or puzzle using different textures; give each other butterfly kisses (gently bat your eyelashes against someone’s face); play with playdough or cookie dough; paint on a mirror with shaving cream; paint in the bath with bath crayons; put items in a bag, reach in and try to identify the item

Oral-Motor

Eat a variety of foods, lick lemons and other foods that have strong flavors; lick ice cream on a cone; blow pinwheels, feathers, and whistles; blow bubbles